I have very fond memories of my bowling birthday parties back in the 80s. Everyone has had a bowling birthday party, right? Good times! Kristine’s little nephew had his birthday party a few weeks ago, and I made the cake. I was pretty excited, what with my new found cake carving skills. I did a bit of googling for inspiration, but not wanting to go the 3D route, I settled on a big pin and little bowling ball.

I traced the shapes out on construction paper, cut them out, placed them on the 9×13 cake and used a sharp knife to cut them out (this is easier on a cold cake, so I chilled mine in the fridge).  I crumb coated both shapes, slicked on a second finishing layer, then decorated – the red stripes are fruit-by-the-foot and the holes in the bowling ball are chocolate melting discs from the bulk bin at the grocery store.

The cake was this vanilla 1-2-3-4 cake which I’ve used a few times before and is absolutely easy and delicious, topped with the best buttercream icing. It was a hit!